2030 m st, nw
washington, dc 20036
p 202.872.8700 f 202.872.8787
Ryan Arnold
Executive Chef
Hudson
“My Mother used to tell me the only way to keep me still when I was toddler was by plopping me down in front of the TV so I could watch Julia Child.” Even then, Ryan always knew he would be a chef. Apparently so did his mother.
“I can’t remember when I wasn’t interested in cooking,” Ryan Explains. “My Father and I always used to hunt and fish—we always ate in—we cured and butchered our own meats, whatever was in season, was on our table. To this day, Ryan hasn’t strayed far from his roots. His passion for the product its pristine simplicity—maintaining the natural flavor is his obsession.
Most recently at the Brasserie in New York City, where he refined his classic technique and contemporary preparation, Ryan spent seven years in New Orleans, working with William Wells at Drake’s as well as serving at the city’s historic Southern Yacht Club . It was there that he experienced the city’s mindset—food as a celebration—representative in every one of life’s circumstances—birth, death and all in between. From the Crescent City, he moved on to the helm of Bridge Street Café in North Carolina. There he excelled in utilizing the area’s limited ingredients to a dish’s advantage. With a daily-changing chalk board menu at his restaurant, he featured what was available from local farmers’ markets and purveyors. The area farmers soon were approaching him to grow ingredients at his behest, literally changing the market and tastes of the area.
At Hudson, Ryan’s menu will be simple, unpretentious food with a focus on the ingredients—classic yet ‘evolved’ American fare. The sauces will be light; natural sweeteners will be utilized—such as a reduction of apple and Riesling instead of sugar, infused vinegars will add flavor.
From The French Chef to the very American Hudson, Ryan’s diverse experiences and respect for the products of the earth will shine through. Even Julia Child would be proud.
When not hunting, fishing, curing and sourcing, Ryan likes to spend time with his wife and son. The family resides in Washington, DC.
